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The Real Romney Audiobook
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(3.03) - 328 listener ratings
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“Absorbing and fair-minded.” —New York Times
“Romney’s story in full and clear detail…fascinating in-depth stuff.” —Los Angeles Times
“A fascinating story [that] sheds next light on an elusive subject.” —Boston Globe
Despite his political prominence, Mitt Romney remains an enigma to many in America. Who is the man behind that sweep of dark hair and the high-wattage smile? A savvy politician or someone who will simply say anything to win? A business visionary or a ruthless dealmaker? In this definitive, unflinching, and widely-acclaimed biography by Boston Globe investigative reporters Michael Kranish and Scott Helman, readers will finally discover the real Mitt Romney. Based on hundreds of interviews and more than five years of reporting, The Real Romney offers for the very first time a full understanding of this complex political figure.
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"My number one criteria for rating a biography is research quality. This book definitely showed intensive research; it is actually pieced together from decades of information dug up for Boston Globe articles. My second criteria is readability. The Real Romney was interesting, though I felt it dragged in sections. The third criteria is objectivity, and this book definitely passed. When I reached the end I couldn't tell you if the authors would vote for Romney or not. They brought out many of Mitt's strengths, but also didn't gloss over his changing political stances, his overstatement of experience, or difficulty in connecting with people. I'm glad to have read this biography in the months leading up to the election. It makes me a much more educated voter."
— Tanya (4 out of 5 stars)
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“The great service of this new biography is that it humanizes Romney. The authors sniff over their subject with bloodhound thoroughness, dredging up old report cards, housing deeds, and family records and videos. They interview seemingly everyone who had contact with Romney every phase of his life.”
— New York Times Book Review -
“A narrative that’s absorbing and fair-minded…Perhaps the most useful portions of The Real Romney deconstruct his management style as a Bain executive and governor of Massachusetts, providing clues as to how he might govern as president.”
— New York Times -
“Lays out Romney’s story in full and clear detail, including fascinating in-depth stuff about his family’s history…This book shows us a Mitt Romney for whom family and faith remain unshakable pillars and who knows that his ‘power-ally is money.’”
— Los Angeles Times -
“A genuinely compelling story and a more thorough record of Romney’s life than has yet appeared.”
— Washington Post -
“A fascinating story that sheds new light on an elusive subject.”
— Financial Times -
“A riveting and revealing look at a complex and enigmatic man.”
— Booklist
The Real Romney Listener Reviews
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" I liked it for how it showed who Romney is - both the person behind the mask and the process behind his failed campaigns. I could have done without all the private equity details but I'll concede that how Romney made his (vast!!) fortune is part of how he is. "
— Saskia, 2/16/2014 -
" This book first read like an advertisement for Romney and I thought I would not finish it. However, later when it described his governorship, it turned to well balanced accounting. There is a very interesting section describing how Romney came to support the health care act late in his tenure. Once he began his run for the presidency, he promptly abandoned it. "
— Michael, 2/13/2014 -
" Nothing particularly trenchant here for anyone who pays attention to national politics. "
— Stan, 2/13/2014 -
" I liked this book because it wasn't a cheerleading book for Romney, but rather showed many of his faults or alleged faults along with his strengths. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's a biography that isn't fair in one way or another. This book is fair. Suggested reading for anyone who is having a difficult time making up their mind for whom to vote, or for anyone who'd like to know more about the history of Mitt Romney. "
— Shane, 2/8/2014 -
" I felt that this was a very good, unbiased biography of Mitt Romney. The author recounted the real story, neither attacking nor embracing Romney, his life and policies. I enjoyed the first half of the book, the part dealing with his ancestry, his early life, schooling,romance with his high school sweetheart, Ann, and his mission to France more than the second half which dealt with his businesses and politics. But, I did learn a lot about what he did as a business leader and as the governor of Massachusetts. I now understand why people who are on the opposite political side say that he has "flip-flopped" on some issues. I also now appreciate why is views have changed. I am very glad I read this book prior to the presidential election of 2012. "
— Cherie, 1/19/2014 -
" Very readable. Very flattering "
— Michele, 1/19/2014 -
" I meant to finish this book before the election, but it was kind of a slow read for me. Well written and contains a lot of interesting information, both positive and negative. Enjoyed learning about Romney's family, his life, and his run for different political offices. "
— Patsy, 1/15/2014 -
" By me reading this it's not an invite for a political coup de gras. This isn't an autobiography, I think it showed the real sides of him. The authors did a good job and in the end it felt balanced. That is all. "
— Wesley, 1/6/2014 -
" This might be the best biography of a living person I have ever read. The authors are not saying "Rah Rah Romney" nor are they against him. It is a well-documented account (pages and pages of notes) of who Romney is. I learned a lot. It does not read like a textbook, either! "
— Lncropper, 12/1/2013 -
" Finished this book after the 2012 election -- still an excellent primer on one of the more interesting U.S. political figures of the early 21st Century "
— Brandon, 11/27/2013 -
" Very informative. Does not try to sway you for or against him. "
— Velvet, 9/14/2013 -
" A surprisingly good read. Very interesting, good insight into the oddball that is Mitt Romney. "
— Jacqueline, 8/21/2013 -
" Solid, in-depth portrait of Mitt Romney by two Boston Globe reporters. They have done their homework. "
— Jake, 7/16/2013 -
" Excellent work, void of any biases. Great job on the Mormon church. Very well done. I still don't like the guy, but I dislike him much less now. "
— Chris, 6/28/2013 -
" This seems to be a fairly independent portrait of Romney. I read it simply because I was curious to know more about him. If you're a big fan, this book probably won't change your mind. If you're not (like me), the same holds true. "
— Ann, 3/25/2013 -
" Engaging biography about this ambitious man who really really wants to be the President of the United States. I'm very glad I read it. "
— Betsy, 10/26/2012
About the Authors
Michael Kranish, deputy chief of the Boston Globe’s Washington Bureau, has been a congressional reporter, White House correspondent, and national political reporter. Kranish coauthored, with other Globe reporters, John F. Kerry: The Complete Biography. He is also the author of Flight from Monticello: Thomas Jefferson at War.
Scott Helman is a staff writer at the Boston Globe, where he has worked as a reporter and editor for over a decade. He was previously the paper’s political editor and a national political reporter, serving as a lead writer on the 2008 presidential campaign.
About Dan Woren
Dan Woren is an American voice actor and Earphones Award–winning narrator. He has worked extensively in animation, video games, and feature films. He is best known for his many roles in anime productions such as Bleach and as the voice of Sub-Zero in the video game Mortal Kombat.